Investigating electrochemical corrosion at Mg alloy-steel joint interface using scanning electrochemical cell impedance microscopy (SECCIM)

Abstract Developing strategies to prevent corrosion at the interface of dissimilar metal alloys is challenging because of the presence of heterogenous distribution of galvanic couples and microstructural features that significantly change the corrosion rate. Devising strategies to mitigate this interfacial corrosion requires quantitative and correlative understanding of its surface electrochemical reaction. In this work, scanning electrochemical cell impedance microscopy (SECCIM) was employed to study location-specific corrosion in the interfacial region of dissimilar alloys, such as AZ31 (magnesium alloy) and DP590 (steel) welded using the Friction-stir Assisted Scribe Technique (FAST) processes. Herein, SECCM and SECCIM were used to perform correlative mapping of the local electrochemical impedance spectroscopic and potentiodynamic polarization to measure the effect of electronic and microstructural changes in the welded interfacial region on corrosion kinetics. Microstructural characterization including scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction was performed to correlate changes in microstructural features and chemistry with the corresponding electronic properties that affect corrosion behavior. The variations in corrosion potential, corrosion current density, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy behavior across the interface provide deeper insights on the interfacial region—which is chemically and microstructurally distinct from both bare AZ31 and DP590 that can help prevent corrosion in dissimilar metal structures.